Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has insisted that Marcelo was not in a position to play in Saturday’s 4-1 La Liga victory over Getafe.
Karim Benzema’s brace, plus goals from Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo – all of whom scored together for the first time since April – secured a fourth straight win for Los Blancos, but the Coach was forced to clarify the left-back’s absence after the game as the player maintained he was no longer injured on Twitter.
“Benzema, Cristiano and Bale can hurt any defence,” he said after the game.
“Benzema scored twice, and he reinforced the fact that he is very important to us and makes the team play better.
“We were very good for 45 minutes and have had three or four very good games now.
“The team didn’t break [Getafe] down in the second half, but we managed and handled the game, with the entire potential of the team and players who make a difference.
“The team were very focused from the beginning. Now we want to continue in this manner in order to continue putting things right.
“[Benzema and I] spoke about whether he could score two goals against Getafe [before the game].
“[His goals] will help to address any problems he may have.
“[On boos in his direction], we have the utmost respect for our fans and want to give them more performances like this.
“Everyone expects us to always be perfect, and sometimes you have to unite to get things done like we did [on Saturday].
“[On Marcelo’s injury], the doctor didn’t give him the all-clear for the match, and he would’ve aggravated [his injury] if he played.
“We want to protect our players. The doctor didn’t feel he had fully recovered on Friday.
“[On the BBC], the three of them scored and worked together in attack and defence.
“[James Rodriguez] worked hard and had to run a lot.
“These last few games have served to improve his physical condition because his quality is not up for discussion.
“Every day, we try to do our best. Many people talk without knowing what goes on behind closed doors.
“I’m optimistic, I see a good team with the potential to continue growing. Everybody’s working to their full capacity.”
